The Savannah River is a very reliable water source for Beaufort and Jasper Counties. However, when drought conditions occur, our water supply can be affected. BJWSA has a drought response plan that can be implemented during the various stages of drought conditions and any other disaster that threatens our water supply.
Rainfall in the upper region of the state fills the reservoirs of the Savannah River. The amount of water available at the location where BJWSA makes withdrawals from the Savannah River is heavily dependent upon the release of water from Lake Thurmond in the Upper Savannah River Basin. The Corps of Engineers manages releases based on the needs of the Savannah River Wildlife Refuge, the water supply requirements of Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle and an approved drought plan if drought conditions exist in the basin.